Hat-block



' (No Model.)

R. H. SAVAGE. M

HAT BLOCK.

No. 390,404. Patented Oct. 2, 1888.

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HAT-BLOCK.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 390,404. dated October 2, 1888.

Application tiled March 24, 1888. Serial No. 268,333.

To aZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that 1', ROBERT H. SAVAGE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Reading, in the county of Berks and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Hat-Blocks; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertaius to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters and figures of reference marked phereon, which form a part of this specificaion. a

This invention relates to formers adapted to be used in the manufacture of hats having the tips of the crown somewhat larger than the opening for the head. This shape has been confined to the more expensive hand-made goods, such as the high silk or cassimere hats.

My object is to make it practicable to manufacture these or equivalent shapes by machinework, of such material as wool or fur, in substantially the same manner as an ordinary form, such as the so-called Derby.

It is well known that the latter and similar forms are shaped on solid cylindrical blocks and flanges, the former being chucked on a lathe to effect the surface finish of the hat, which is stretched upon the block during the operation and readily removed when desired, owing to the taper. It is evident, however, that when the tip of the crown is larger than the opening for the head neither a solid block nor flange could be removed after thehat was shaped. Aparted block has been used for the hand-made goods; but though readily removed after the hat is formed it is not adapted to be swung upon a lathe at the high rate of speed required in the process of finishing wool or fur hats.

The means by which I am enabled to practically and safely manufacture these hats, as stated above, are plainly set forth in the drawings.

Figure 1 represents a form of hat, such as above referred to, in crosssection, with the two-part block and the hinged flange in posi tiou. Fig. 2 shows the chuck part of the block detached. Fig. 3 is a plan ofthe hinged flange for forming the brim.

(Nu model];

A represents the side crown, A the tip, and A the brim, of the hat. The two-part block consists of the parts 13 and O, the parting line of which runs from the center line of the tip face diagonally to the base of the block, thus clearing the screw-chuck D, which is set in flush with the base of the larger part B. Metallic dovetailed plates F and G are set into the parting faces of the two parts of the block, the male projection F on the larger part fitting into a corresponding recess in the plate G, the taper of the dovetail being such that the two parts are tightly brought together when the tip is flush. This arrangement permits the withdrawal of the part B from the formed hat, leaving the smaller part, 0, to be withdrawn subsequently, yet securely holds the two parts together when the chuck 1) is screwed onto a lathespindle and the block revolved at a high speed. The centrifugal force which tends to throw off the part 0 is effectually overcome by the strong tapered dovetails, and the incline ofthe parting line only tends to press them into closer engagement.

The halves E and E of the parted flange are hinged together at 13*, and when closed are held by a hook, E, fitting over a projecting pin. The bead E and the shape of the bottom of the flange determine the form of the brim and its curl, and the whole flange is removed, when desired, by unhooking it and openingit on its hinges E.

The apparatus above described is all that differs from that used in the manufacture of the ordinary shapes of wool or fur hats. In manufacturing the special shapes referred to the bodies are steamed and stretched over the above-described block, thehinged flange placed in position, and the brim and crown shaped to them. The finishing of the side crown is then effected by screwing the block onto the spin dle of an oval lathe, while the tip is finished in a similar manner on another lathe,by which the blocked hat is safely revolved at a speed of about eighteen hundred revolutions per minute. When this is completed, the block may be removed, as previously described, and the trimming and final fi nish of the hat effected.

By the use of this block and flange in the manner herein described, I am able to practicall y manufacture such shapes of hats as safely and economically as the ordinary forms of 2. In combination with the parted block wool and fur hats. with enlarged tip, substantially as described,

What I desire to secure by Letters Patent the hinged flange or brim-former, substanis the following: tially as and forthe purpose set forth.

5 1. A block in two parts united by dovetail In testimony whereofl affix my signature in r plates F and G, as described, one of said parts presence of two witnesses.

being provided with a chuck, D, and the R. H. SAVAGE. united block being larger at the tip than at Vitnesses: the base, all substantially as and for the pur- I. O. FETTER,

IO pose set forth. H. A. ZIEBER. 

